Specific Learning Disorders: The Symptoms, the Myths, the Facts

Often called a “learning disability”, specific learning disorders are frequently misunderstood.

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS

• short attention span
• poor memory
• difficulty following directions
• inability to discriminate between/among letters, numerals, or sounds
• poor reading, comprehension and slowed fluency
• poor spelling and grammar

THE MYTH

Many believe the term specific learning disability is all inclusive, meaning anyone who may have trouble learning (including those with a developmental disability, low ability, ADHD, or those who have had a brain injury or stroke).  A specific learning disability is not low intelligence.  Some believe an individual is not trying hard enough or is lazy.

THE FACTS

A specific learning disorder is a lifelong neurological difference in brain structure and function that affects the way people process information.

Wiring in the brain prevents people from integrating information easily/automatically; therefore, they have a need to learn information differently than others.

People need to show evidence of at least average intellectual function in order to be diagnosed with a specific learning disorder.

TYPES OF SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS

1. 

   Dyslexia – difficulty with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading fluency that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

2. Dyscalculia – difficulty recognizing number patterns, math concepts, math language, learning and retaining math facts and/or math procedures, poor calculation skills and problem-solving skills.
3. Dysgraphia – specifically impacts spelling and writing because the basic prerequisite skills for motor movement and letter formation are inefficient. This causes an energy drain that may greatly interfere with the overall writing process, which requires motor and information processing skills.